Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him a long tunic. When his brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his sons, they hated him so much that they would not even greet him. One day, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father's flocks at Shechem, Israel said to Joseph, "Your brothers, you know, are tending our flocks at Shechem. Get ready; I will send you to them. "So Joseph went after his brothers and caught up with them in Dothan. They noticed him from a distance, and before he came up to them, they plotted to kill him. They said to one another: "Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here; we could say that a wild beast devoured him. We shall then see what comes of his dreams". When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from their hands, saying, "We must not take his life. Instead of shedding blood," he continued, "just throw him into that cistern there in the desert; but do not kill him outright." His purpose was to rescue him from their hands and return him to his father. So when Joseph came up to them, they stripped him of the long tunic he had on; then they took him and threw him into the cistern, which was empty and dry. They then sat down to their meal. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm and resin to be taken down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers: "What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood? Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh." His brothers agreed. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver.
REFLECTION:
This reading reminds me of the complexity of relationships and how jealousy, insecurity, and rivalry can lead to destruction. Yet, even in our darkest moments, God is working behind the scenes to fulfill a greater purpose. Joseph’s journey is a perfect example of this. Despite the betrayal and being sold into slavery, God ultimately exalts him, surprising his brothers in the end. I find it beautiful when God reveals poetic justice in His dealings with His creation, showing His wisdom and perfect timing.
I can relate to Joseph, especially in how life sometimes feels like a river with treacherous waters. Just when you think someone is offering a helping hand, they let go, pulling you deeper into struggle. Betrayal—whether from family, friends, or others you trust—can wound deeply. The sting of it can fester into resentment, leading to more misery. Yet, it is only through God’s grace that we are able to forgive and allow Him to heal us. If you’ve never experienced betrayal, consider yourself truly blessed.
Jesus knows betrayal intimately, both with Judas and Peter, and even with me. Yet, despite all our failings, He pulls us from the tempestuous waters, offering rest in green pastures—even if it’s only for a fleeting moment. His mercy is the ultimate refuge, reminding us that even in the pain of betrayal, there is always hope in Him.
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